EP3021977B1 - Proportioning cylinder for spray system - Google Patents

Proportioning cylinder for spray system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3021977B1
EP3021977B1 EP14825699.3A EP14825699A EP3021977B1 EP 3021977 B1 EP3021977 B1 EP 3021977B1 EP 14825699 A EP14825699 A EP 14825699A EP 3021977 B1 EP3021977 B1 EP 3021977B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
axial
cylinder
proportioning cylinder
spray system
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP14825699.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3021977A4 (en
EP3021977A1 (en
Inventor
Dennis J. VAN KEULEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Graco Minnesota Inc
Original Assignee
Graco Minnesota Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Graco Minnesota Inc filed Critical Graco Minnesota Inc
Publication of EP3021977A1 publication Critical patent/EP3021977A1/en
Publication of EP3021977A4 publication Critical patent/EP3021977A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3021977B1 publication Critical patent/EP3021977B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1005—Piston pumps with means for adjusting or modifying pump stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/14—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet
    • B05B12/1418—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet for supplying several liquids or other fluent materials in selected proportions to a single spray outlet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
    • B05B15/55—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter using cleaning fluids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
    • B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
    • B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
    • B05B9/0403—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material
    • B05B9/0413—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material with reciprocating pumps, e.g. membrane pump, piston pump, bellow pump
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B13/00—Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
    • F04B15/02—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B5/00—Machines or pumps with differential-surface pistons
    • F04B5/02—Machines or pumps with differential-surface pistons with double-acting pistons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16N—LUBRICATING
    • F16N7/00—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated
    • F16N7/30—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated the oil being fed or carried along by another fluid
    • F16N7/32—Mist lubrication
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/04—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge
    • B05B7/0408—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge with arrangements for mixing two or more liquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B05B7/2486—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device with means for supplying liquid or other fluent material to several discharge devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B05B7/2489—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device an atomising fluid, e.g. a gas, being supplied to the discharge device
    • B05B7/2497—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device an atomising fluid, e.g. a gas, being supplied to the discharge device several liquids from different sources being supplied to the discharge device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
    • B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
    • B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B2201/00—Pump parameters
    • F04B2201/06—Valve parameters
    • F04B2201/0601—Opening times

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to applicator systems that are used to spray fluids, such as paint, sealants, coatings, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a proportioning cylinder of a pumping subsystem of a spray system.
  • Some fluid applicators have separate "A-side” and “B-side” fluid systems (e.g. pumps, reservoirs, and fluid lines) that carry different fluids components. These components are isolated until sprayed or otherwise applied, whereupon the components mix and chemically interact to form an application material.
  • Two-component fluid spray systems are commonly used to apply epoxies, foams, and two-component paints. Paint systems, for example, may combine A-side paints with B-side catalyst materials. Common catalyst materials include isocyanates, polyesters, epoxies, and acrylics. Different paints or other A-side materials may require different B-side catalysts.
  • A- and B-side fluid systems typically comprise separate fluid sources (e.g. reservoirs or lines) that are pumped via separate pumps to a common sprayer head actuated by a human operator or an automated machine process.
  • Required spray pressures vary as a function of material and application, and desired flow rates of A- and B-side fluids often differ. Paints and catalysts intended to be combined in a 10-to-1 ratio, for instance, will necessitate A- side pump displacement ten times greater than B-side pump displacement.
  • Spray systems use a variety of different pumping mechanisms. Many spray systems utilize gear pumps for continuous pumping fluid flow. Wear over time can cause gear pumps to slip or grind.
  • US2013/039778 discloses a linear motor system that is operated to reciprocate an output shaft between first and second reversal positions.
  • the linear pump is reciprocated with the output shaft to produce a flow of material.
  • a pump reversal command reverses direction of the output shaft.
  • US4946352 discloses a dual action piston pump that has a pump cylinder having a pump piston in it.
  • a transition section is secured to each end of said pump cylinder through which the media being pumped passes while being pumped from and to a four way valve.
  • a piston rod is connected to each side of the pump piston.
  • Each piston rod passes through the side wall of the transition section and extends into a drive cylinder where it is connected to a drive piston.
  • the drive pistons can be driven in both directions.
  • GB1249992 discloses a pump comprising at least two pistons, the rods of which are coupled for simultaneous reciprocation in respective cylinders.
  • US4278205 discloses a device for supplying a spray gun with paint at a constant rate.
  • a first fluid source delivers a variable viscosity fluid, a first fluid circuit connecting said fluid source to the spray gun.
  • a second fluid circuit source delivers a constant viscosity fluid from a second fluid source to the spray gun.
  • the present invention relates to a multi-point lubrication subsystem for a pump of a two-component spray system such as a combined paint-catalyst sprayer.
  • a single lubricant reservoir is connected via gravity feed lines to a plurality of pump seals.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of spray system 10, a two-side spray system with an A-side and a B-side configured to carry separate fluid components that are only combined when sprayed.
  • Spray system 10 can, for example, combine an A-side paint with a B-side catalyst (e.g. a polyurethane, acrylic, polyester, or epoxy) at the moment of spraying.
  • B-side catalyst e.g. a polyurethane, acrylic, polyester, or epoxy
  • spray system 10 will be discussed hereinafter primarily as a system for spraying paint, the present invention can analogously be applied to sprayers for foam, adhesive, and other materials. Many components of spray system 10 are present in parallel on both A- and B-sides of the system.
  • A-side components are labeled with an "a” subscript
  • B-side components are labeled with a "b” subscript.
  • reference numbers without subscript will be used to refer generically to elements found in parallel on both A- and B-sides of spray system 10, and to single elements common to both sides, while particular A- or B-side counterparts will be denoted with “a” or “b” subscripts, as appropriate.
  • "Pump 12a” and “pump 12b” are specific elements of the A- and B-side subsystems of spray system, respectively. Description related to "pump 12" (without subscript) refers generically to pump.
  • Spray system 10 includes A- and B-side pumps 12 that pump fluid from inlet manifolds 14 via inlet lines I a and I b to outlet manifolds 16 via outlet lines O a and O b .
  • pumps 12 are double-action reciprocating cylinder pumps driven by motorized actuators 18, with seals lubricated by lubricant system 20.
  • Motorized actuators 18 can, for example, be linear DC step motors.
  • Lubricant system 20 includes at least one lubricant reservoir and fluid routing lines suited to carry lubricant from lubricant system 20 to valve seals and other throat seals of pumps 12. Although lubricant system 20 is illustrated as a unitary system, some embodiments of spray system 10 can use separate A- and B-side lubricant systems, e.g with different lubricants.
  • Inlet and outlet manifolds 14 and 16 are valved manifolds that selectively couple pumps 12 to a plurality of fluid sources and outputs. Inlet and outlet manifolds 14 and 16 allow spray system 10 to switch between a plurality of connected fluids without any need to disconnect or reconnect fluid lines. Although each outlet manifold 16 is depicted with three outlets and each inlet manifold 14 is depicted with three inlets, any number of inlets and outlets can be used. Under ordinary operating conditions, valving in manifolds 14 and 16 allows only one input or output line to be open at a time. In some embodiments, inlet and outlet manifolds 14 and 16 are controlled electronically, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to controller 40. In other embodiments, inlet and outlet manifolds 14 and 16 can be actuated manually. Some embodiments of spray system 10 can allow for both electronic and manual valve actuation of inlet and outlet manifolds 14 and 16.
  • inlet manifolds 14 selectively connect pumps 18 to primary fluid sources 22 and 24 via fluid lines F 1 and F 2 , respectively, and to solvent sources 26 via solvent lines S.
  • Primary fluid sources 22a and 24a can, for example, be first and second paints PI and P2, while primary fluid sources 22b and 24b can, for example, be first and second catalyst fluids C1 and C2.
  • Solvent sources 26a and 26b can draw upon a common reservoir of solvent material, or can use different solvent materials.
  • outlet manifolds 16 similarly selectively connect pumps 18 to sprayers 28 and 30 via spray lines S 1 and S 2, , and to waste fluid dump 31 via waste lines W.
  • Waste fluid dump 31 accepts waste paint, catalyst, and solvent flushed from spray system 10 (e.g. when switching from first paint PI and first catalyst fluid C1 to second paint P2 and second catalyst fluid C2).
  • Sprayers 28 and 30 each accept spray lines from both A-side and B-side outlet manifolds 16.
  • Sprayer 28 for example accepts spray line S 1a from A-side outlet manifold 16 a and spray line S 1b from B-side outlet manifold 16 b .
  • any number of separate sprayers can be used.
  • Each sprayer can be dedicated to a single spray fluid combination (e.g. of paint and catalyst), to avoid mixture or fouling of different fluids. Accordingly, embodiments with additional fluid sources advantageously include additional sprayers, as well. Alternatively, sprayers need not be devoted to particular fluid combinations, but can be used sequentially for multiple different fluid combinations, if washed between spray sessions with different fluids. Sprayers 28 and 30 can, for example, be user-triggered spray guns or machine-actuated automatic sprayers.
  • primary fluid sources 22 and 24 and solvent sources 26 are pre-pressurized sources capable of supplying at least 50% of output pressure of pumps 18. Pre-pressurized sources alleviate pumping load on motorized actuators 18, such that pumps 12 need only supply less than 50% or less than 30% (per the previously stated case) of output pressure.
  • Sources 22, 24, and 26 can include dedicated pumps for pre-pressurizing fluids.
  • pumps 12 are metered linear pumps with dosing cylinders 32 that carry displacement rods 34.
  • Displacement rods 34 are driven by motorized actuators 18, and both situate and drive plungers 36.
  • dosing cylinders 32, displacements rods 34, and plungers 36 may be balanced in working surface area so as to receive equal pressure from pre-pressurized sources (e.g. 22, 24) on up- and down-strokes.
  • Displacement rods 34 extend into rod reservoirs 38, which can in some embodiments be flooded with lubricant from lubricant system 20.
  • Pumps 12 each have inlet and outlet valves that actuate between up- and down-strokes of displacement rods 34 to direct fluid above or below plungers 36.
  • Controller 40 is a computing device such as a microprocessor or collection of microprocessors with associated memory and local operator interface 42.
  • Local operator interface 42 is a user interface device with, e.g. a screen, keys, dials, and/or gauges.
  • local operator interface 42 can be a wired or wireless connection for a user operated tablet or computer.
  • local operator interface 42 can be an integrated interface configured to accept direct user input and provide diagnostic and operational data directly to a user.
  • Local operator interface 42 can, for example, enable a user to input target ratios of A- and B-side fluid flow for each combination of A- and B-side fluids, and target output pressure.
  • Local operator interface 42 can also provide users with diagnostic information including but not limited to failure identifications (e.g. for clogging or leakage), spray statistics (e.g. fluid volume sprayed or remaining), and status indications (e.g. "cleaning,” "spraying,” or “offline”).
  • controller 40 may include a database of known or previous configurations (e.g. target ratios and/or pressures for particular materials), such that a user at local operator interface 42 need only select a configuration from several options.
  • Controller 40 controls motorized actuators 18 via motor speed control signals c s and controls pump valving of pumps 12 via pump valve control signals c PV . Controller 40 synchronizes valve actuation of pumps 12 with pump changeover to minimize downtime as plungers 36 reaches the top or bottom of their travel distances within dosing cylinder 32. In some embodiments, controller 40 may also control valving of inlet manifolds 14 and outlet manifolds 16 via inlet valve control signals c IV and outlet valve control signals c OV , respectively. Controller 40 receives sensed pressure values P a and P b from pressure sensors 44a and 44b, respectively.
  • Pumping system 10 provides substantially uniform and continuous spray pressure through pump changeovers at specified pressures and material ratios. Pumping system 10 enables clean and efficient pumping and fluid switching without risk of fluid contamination, and without need for lengthy downtimes or large volume use of washing solvents.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of spray system 10 near pump 12.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates pump 12, motorized actuator 18, dosing cylinder 32, displacement rod 34 (as lower rod 34a and upper rod 34b), plunger 36, rod receptacle 38, pump body 100, inlet ports 102 and 104, outlet ports 106 and 108, lower cylinder end 110, upper cylinder end 112, and lower and upper displacement rod bearing assemblies 114 and 116, respectively.
  • FIG. 2 also delineates region R3, which is discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 3 .
  • pump 12 is a double-acting positive displacement pump with dosing cylinder 32, displacement rod 34, and plunger 36.
  • displacement rod 34 is formed in two parts and consists of lower rod 34a, which extends through plunger 36 and downward towards rod receptacle 38, and upper rod 34b, which is secured to lower rod 34b and extends upwards into motorized actuator 18.
  • Motorized actuator 18 reciprocates plunger 36 within cylinder 32 by driving upper rod 34b, and rod receptacle 38 receives lower rod 34a as plunger 36 travels away from motorized actuator 18.
  • Lower and upper displacement rod bearing assemblies 114 and 116 support and guide lower and upper rods 34a and 34b, respectively.
  • Lower and upper displacement rod bearing assemblies 114 and 116 also seal lower and upper bounds of cylinder 32, as defined by lower cylinder and 110 and upper cylinder end 112.
  • Lower cylinder end 110 is the lowermost axial extent of the primary fluid working space contained within cylinder 32, while upper cylinder end 112 is the uppermost axial extent of that working space.
  • Pump body 100 is a solid structural member of pump 12 that supports cylinder 32 and contains fluid passages and valves that directing fluid from inlet line I to inlet ports 102 or 104 into cylinder 32, and from cylinder 32 through outlet ports 106 and 108 to outlet line O. Although typically only one each of inlet ports 102 and 104 and outlet ports 106 and 108 will receive fluid at any one time during ordinary pumping, some configurations of pump 12 may pass fluid through all four ports (e.g. for washing).
  • Inlet port 102 is substantially aligned with outlet port 106 at a lower axial extent of cylinder 32 near lower cylinder end 110 and lower displacement rod bearing assembly 114.
  • Inlet port 104 is substantially aligned with outlet port 108 at an upper axial extent of cylinder 32 near upper cylinder end 112 and upper displacement rod bearing rod assembly 116.
  • Pump 12 is balanced so as to receive equal up-stroke and down-stroke assist from a pre-pressurized fluid source such as fluid sources 22 or 24.
  • a pre-pressurized fluid source such as fluid sources 22 or 24.
  • 50% or more of the total output pressure of pump 12 is provided by a pre-pressurized source, with less than 50% of total output pressure coming from the operation of pump 12.
  • no more than 80% of the total output pressure of pump 12 is provided by a pre-pressurized source.
  • Pump 12 is balanced by substantially equalizing working surface area of plunger 36, such that the top surface area of plunger 36 facing upper cylinder end 112 substantially equals the lower bottom surface area of plunger 36 facing upper cylinder end 110.
  • the reduction in effective top surface area of plunger 36 due to upper rod 34b is offset by lower rod 34a, which both serves as an additional guide for plunger 36 and assures that the displacement per travel distance of pump 12 is identical on up- and down-strokes.
  • the total working surface area of a lower face of plunger 36 may be slightly less than the total working surface area of its upper face, to account for gravity.
  • FIG. 3 is a close-up cross-sectional view of region R3 of spray system 10, as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates pump 12, motorized actuator 18, cylinder 32, displacement rod 34 (in the form of lower rod 34a and upper rod 34b), plunger 36, inlet port 104, outlet port 108, upper cylinder end 112, and upper displacement rod bearing assembly 116, as described above with respect to FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 3 further illustrates bearing 200, lower cup seal 202, upper cup seal 204, lower spacer 206, and upper spacer 208 of plunger 36.
  • Bearing 200 is anchored to displacement rod 34, and carries cup seals 202 and 204.
  • Lower and upper cup seal 202 and 204 are downward- and upward-facing annular fluid seals, respectively, that together prevent fluid from flowing past plunger 36.
  • Lower and upper spacers 206 and 208 are annular blocking features that reduce the flow area separating inlet and outlet ports 104 and 108 when plunger 36 is at lower cylinder end 110 and upper cylinder end 112, respectively.
  • Lower spacer 206 substantially occludes the flow volume of cylinder 32 between inlet port 102 and outlet port 106 when plunger 36 is at a bottom-most position within cylinder 32, without fully blocking fluid flow.
  • upper spacer 208 substantially occludes the flow area of cylinder 32 between inlet port 104 and outlet port 108 when plunger 36 is at a top-most position within cylinder 32, without fully blocking fluid flow.
  • spacers 206 and 208 provide a minimum flow path clearance of at least 0.05 inches (1.27 mm) to allow fluid flow between plunger 36 and lower cylinder end 110 and upper cylinder end 112, respectively.
  • spacers 206 and 208 may differ in length. In the illustrated embodiment, ports 102 and 106 are closer to lower cylinder end 110 than ports 104 and 106, and spacer 206 is accordingly axially shorter than spacer 208.
  • Spacers 206 and 208 of plunger 36 minimize total flow volume between inlet and outlet ports of pump 12 while plunger 36 is at its outermost axial positions. This reduces the volume of primary fluid left in a non-working space of cylinder 32 during pump changeover. The reduced volume of paint left in cylinder 32 during changeover also makes washing cylinder 32 (e.g. in preparation for changing fluids) faster, and the reduced non-working space allows less cleaning fluid to be consumed during wash cycles.
  • a spray system comprises: a pre-pressurized fluid source supplying pre-pressurized spray fluid; a proportioning cylinder; a valved inlet line that fluidly connects the pre-pressurized source to a first axial extent of proportioning cylinder in a first state of the spray system, and to a second axial extent of the proportioning cylinder opposite the first in a second state of the spray system; a sprayer fluidly connected to the proportioning cylinder via a valved outlet line; and a double-action reciprocating plunger situated within the proportioning cylinder with a first axial surface facing the first axial extent of the proportioning cylinder, and a second axial surface facing the second axial extent of the proportioning cylinder, wherein the first and second axial surface have equal working surface are.
  • the double-action reciprocating plunger is anchored to a displacement rod that extends the full axial length of the proportioning cylinder regardless of the position of the double-action reciprocating plunger within the proportioning cylinder.
  • the displacement rod comprises a first section extending from the first axial surface of the double-action reciprocating plunger through a bearing seal at the first axial extent of the proportioning cylinder to engage a motor, and a second section extending from the second axial surface of the double-action reciprocating plunger through a bearing seal at the second axial extent of the proportioning cylinder, into a rod reservoir.
  • the spray system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components: A further embodiment of the foregoing spray system, wherein the pre-pressurized source accounts for at least 50% of an output pressure of the spray fluid at the sprayer.
  • a further embodiment of the foregoing spray system wherein the pre-pressurized source accounts for at least 70% of an output pressure of the spray fluid at the sprayer.
  • a further embodiment of the foregoing spray system wherein the first axial surface is formed by a first cup seal and a first spacer, and the second axial surface is formed by a second cup seal and a second spacer.
  • a further embodiment of the foregoing spray system wherein the first and second cup seals are separated by a bearing.
  • An example of a pumping system not falling within the scope of the present invention comprises: a proportioning cylinder oriented along a proportioning cylinder axis; a first inlet into the proportioning cylinder and a first outlet from the proportioning cylinder, each situated at near first axial extent of the proportioning cylinder; a second inlet into the proportioning cylinder and a second outlet from the proportioning cylinder, each situated near a second axial extent of the proportioning cylinder opposite the first axial extent of the proportioning cylinder; a displacement rod extending along the proportioning cylinder axis, and driven in a reciprocating fashion by a linear motor; a plunger affixed to the displacement rod and filling a circumferential area of the proportioning cylinder, the plunger comprising first and second seals and spacers facing the first and second axial extents of the proportioning cylinder, respectively; wherein, in an uppermost position of
  • the pumping system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
  • a further example of the foregoing pumping system wherein the first spacer extends axially towards the first axial extent of the proportioning cylinder, from the first seal, and the second spacer extends axially towards the second axial extent of the proportioning cylinder, from the second seal.
  • first and second seals are cup seals facing the first and second axial extends of the proportioning cylinder, respectively.
  • first and second spacers provide a minimum flow path clearance of at least 0.05 inches (1.27 mm) between the plunger and the first and second axial extends of the cylinder.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Details Of Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Details Or Accessories Of Spraying Plant Or Apparatus (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
EP14825699.3A 2013-07-19 2014-07-18 Proportioning cylinder for spray system Active EP3021977B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361856104P 2013-07-19 2013-07-19
PCT/US2014/047206 WO2015010028A1 (en) 2013-07-19 2014-07-18 Proportioning cylinder for spray system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3021977A1 EP3021977A1 (en) 2016-05-25
EP3021977A4 EP3021977A4 (en) 2017-06-21
EP3021977B1 true EP3021977B1 (en) 2018-09-05

Family

ID=57965292

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14825699.3A Active EP3021977B1 (en) 2013-07-19 2014-07-18 Proportioning cylinder for spray system

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US10413924B2 (ja)
EP (1) EP3021977B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP6458027B2 (ja)
KR (1) KR102179372B1 (ja)
CN (1) CN105377443B (ja)
ES (1) ES2694669T3 (ja)
TW (1) TW201517992A (ja)
WO (1) WO2015010028A1 (ja)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10300504B2 (en) * 2013-07-19 2019-05-28 Graco Minnesota Inc. Spray system pump wash sequence
CN106613777B (zh) * 2016-12-26 2019-06-28 重庆市永川区雪晶葡萄种植园 葡萄浇水设备
US10801493B2 (en) * 2017-12-14 2020-10-13 William E. Howseman, Jr. Positive displacement reciprocating pump assembly for dispensing predeterminedly precise amounts of fluid during both the up and down strokes of the pump piston
WO2020107318A1 (en) * 2018-11-29 2020-06-04 Graco Minnesota Inc. Plural material dispensing system

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1249992A (en) 1968-08-14 1971-10-13 Lorant Joseph John Improvements in or relating to proportioning pumps
GB1357961A (en) 1971-06-17 1974-06-26 Penn L R Piston pumps
GB1510637A (en) * 1974-07-09 1978-05-10 Page V Double acting pump
EP0007252A1 (fr) * 1978-04-28 1980-01-23 S K M, Société Anonyme Dispositif d'alimentation à débit constant de fluide, notamment pour pistolet de pulvérisation
SE463221B (sv) * 1985-08-21 1990-10-22 Tetra Pak Ab Doseringspump
JPS63164972U (ja) 1987-04-18 1988-10-27
US4946352A (en) 1989-09-28 1990-08-07 Multi-Pump, Inc. Dual action piston pump
US5009699A (en) * 1990-06-22 1991-04-23 American Cyanamid Company 1-{[O-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)phenyl]sulfamoyl}-3-(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)urea herbicidal composition and use
GB9314957D0 (en) 1993-07-17 1993-09-01 Carding Spec Canada Piston rod bearing assembly of reciprocating piston engine
US5605446A (en) 1994-10-18 1997-02-25 Graco Inc. High viscosity material pump having valved priming piston
AU3601997A (en) 1996-07-15 1998-02-09 Furon Company Double acting pneumatically driven rolling diaphragm pump
US5934562A (en) 1998-04-15 1999-08-10 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Hot melt adhesive dispensing system with laminated air heater
JP2001317450A (ja) * 2000-05-01 2001-11-16 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd 液体供給装置
JP3933434B2 (ja) 2001-10-17 2007-06-20 株式会社吉野工業所 流体吐出器
US6758415B2 (en) 2002-07-30 2004-07-06 Robert Bosch Gmbh Fuel injector for diesel engines
US7325704B2 (en) * 2003-09-10 2008-02-05 Rieke Corporation Inverted dispensing pump with vent baffle
US7225946B2 (en) * 2003-12-11 2007-06-05 Dtic Dispensing Technologiesa A Division Of Stainless Steel Coatings, Inc. Constant pressure fluid-dispensing pumping system and method
CA2520691C (en) 2005-09-22 2012-05-01 Galvatech 2000 Airless spray pump system and method for spraying a binder solution with suspended particles
EP2510237A4 (en) 2009-12-08 2015-11-25 Graco Minnesota Inc SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LINEAR PUMP SYSTEM

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20160033166A (ko) 2016-03-25
EP3021977A4 (en) 2017-06-21
CN105377443A (zh) 2016-03-02
JP2016533878A (ja) 2016-11-04
KR102179372B1 (ko) 2020-11-16
WO2015010028A1 (en) 2015-01-22
CN105377443B (zh) 2019-06-18
TW201517992A (zh) 2015-05-16
US20160151798A1 (en) 2016-06-02
JP6458027B2 (ja) 2019-01-23
US10413924B2 (en) 2019-09-17
ES2694669T3 (es) 2018-12-26
EP3021977A1 (en) 2016-05-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3021980B1 (en) Spray system pump wash sequence
EP3021979B1 (en) Multi-point seal lubrication system
US10688509B2 (en) Spray system pressure differential monitoring
US11148152B2 (en) Pump changeover algorithm for spray system
KR102195323B1 (ko) 분무 시스템 압력 및 비율 제어
EP3021977B1 (en) Proportioning cylinder for spray system
US11045830B2 (en) Spray system pump wash sequence

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20160219

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20170523

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B05B 7/04 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

Ipc: F04B 15/02 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

Ipc: B05B 15/02 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

Ipc: B05B 7/24 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

Ipc: B05B 9/04 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

Ipc: B05B 12/14 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

Ipc: B05B 7/00 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

Ipc: F04B 5/02 20060101AFI20170517BHEP

Ipc: F16N 7/32 20060101ALI20170517BHEP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 602014031969

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: B05B0007000000

Ipc: F04B0005020000

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B05B 7/04 20060101ALI20180326BHEP

Ipc: B05B 12/14 20060101ALI20180326BHEP

Ipc: B05B 15/55 20180101ALI20180326BHEP

Ipc: F04B 5/02 20060101AFI20180326BHEP

Ipc: F04B 15/02 20060101ALI20180326BHEP

Ipc: B05B 9/04 20060101ALI20180326BHEP

Ipc: F16N 7/32 20060101ALI20180326BHEP

Ipc: B05B 7/24 20060101ALI20180326BHEP

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180508

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1038126

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602014031969

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2694669

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20181226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20180905

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181206

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181205

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181205

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1038126

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180905

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190105

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190105

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602014031969

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20190606

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20190731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190731

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190731

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190731

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190718

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190718

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20140718

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20210721

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20210802

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180905

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220718

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20230901

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220719

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240729

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240729

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240725

Year of fee payment: 11